FEWER, BETTER THINGS: The Hidden Wisdom of Objects

Fewer, Better Things: The Hidden Wisdom of Objects
by Glenn Adamson

Discussion Questions

1.  How does Adamson define "material intelligence"? (p. 4) From a scale of 1 to 10, how strong is your material intelligence (1 low/10 high)?

2.  What is the difference between "workmanship of risk" and "workmanship of certainty"? (p. 19)

3.  What is "kintsugi"? (p. 61) 

4.  According to Adamson, how does interactive technology detract from the power of museums? (p. 102)

5.  In Chapter 23, Adamson discusses materiality as it relates to gift culture, and uses teddy bears and diamond rings as examples. Why did he choose these two examples? Can you think of other items that could be regarded in this way?

6.  On page 164, Adamson says, "...while the public perception of trustworthiness has declined precipitously for almost every other institution in America...museums still rank extremely high." Why does he believe this is the case? Do you agree?

7.  Adamson asserts that, "...less emphasis on conceptual and theoretical considerations, and more emphasis on materiality, could help museums to reach a wider audience." (p. 166) Do you agree?

8.  According to Adamson, how can we use objects to bridge cultural divides? (p. 189)

9. How does making or re-making objects help the creator to understand them? (Chapter 32)

10.  How does the author argue that objects help to establish truth? (p. 219) Do you agree with this claim?